Issue 8068

THE

INQUIRER £1 | Issue 8068 | 30 September 2023

Inside this issue…

Two new ministers speak out There’s no joy without suffering FOY Society celebrates

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The voice of British and Irish Unitarians and Free Christians

Inclusion: it’s more than a ramp and a big loo It takes commitment and thought, writes Paul L Dawson

THE

INQUIRER The Unitarian and Free Christian Paper Established in 1842, The Inquirer is the oldest nonconformist religious newspaper.

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www.unitarian.org.uk Page 2 | Issue 8068 – 30 September 2023

Inquiring Words…

In light of religious diversity down through the ages and across continents, almost any behaviour or belief might be defended or sanctioned if one leans on an isolated phrase, sentence, or story from sacred texts, or an obscure religious document. Therefore, when assessing the importance of religious assertions, it is important to determine whether or not the basis for a given assertion is found in primary or secondary texts, whether the teachings are credited to an individual who carries little or much weight within the religious tradition, and whether or not the assertion is an anomaly in a tradition that overwhelmingly supports an opposing point of view.

Lisa Kemmerer

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Paul L Dawson writes that genuinely welcoming all takes thought and commitment

Helping all feel valued and safe As Unitarians, we are fundamentally interested in people, and in ‘human flourishing’: our sacred communities should be here to share joys in times of happiness, and to provide comfort and support in times of need. As people of faith, we gain encouragement, hope, joy and strength by gathering in our churches, chapels and meeting houses, as well as on Zoom. Yet do we place barriers in the way of broader participation?

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is 1. Meet statutory and legislative requirements, and go beyond the hugely important for the growth and 2010 Act to take positive action sustainability of our congregations.

“Treating people with to build a culture that champions If we are seeking funds to restore or diversity and inclusion. enhance our place of worship, most respect, with dignity 2. To create an inclusive culture, grant funders these days require that values diversity and equal worth are at an EDI strategy, with clear goals 3. To make diversity and inclusion a to broaden and encourage access, the core of the message natural part of what we do. to remove barriers to participation of the man Jesus of Ultimately, EDI is all about people. as well as to grow community The best way for our congregations participation. Grant funders Nazareth.” to grow, and attract visitors to the require clear goals and statements events we host in our spaces is for and they need empirical data them to represent the communities showing outcomes for successful we serve: to bring people completion of a project along with together.

We will only gain new members of our sacred real outcomes and areas for improvement: in a nutshell communities if visitors and newcomers feel valued, and if our strategy failed, how can we do better and become more person centred. EDI has at its heart, kingdom values feel safe, and if they perceive their rights are protected.

Every visitor to our buildings for a Heritage Open Day, of doing unto others, as you would have them do unto a concert, exhibition or similar event is a potential ‘bum yourselves. Treating people with respect, with dignity and on a seat’ on a Sunday or other worship activity. If we are equal worth are at the core of the message of the man to grow, we need kingdom values at the heart of what we Jesus of Nazareth, as well as of other world faiths and do: mothers are allowed to breastfeed; thought is given humanism. It may mean making changes to buildings and to autistic persons through provision of quiet spaces and ‘how we do things’ as well as to challenge attitudes and sensory bags; disabled lavatories are provided alongside behaviours which are harmful such a sexism, homophobia, child and adult changing facilities; provision of wheel racism and ableism. chair ramps – or elimination of stepped access – audio Many of our congregations are Charitable Incorporated description and braille material.

Organisations: EDI is the legal thing to do required under Making our churches, chapels and meeting houses EDI the Equality Act 2010: the Charity Commission (the compliant and equitable is not a tick-box exercise that organisation which oversees charities in the UK) expects is done once: it’s an ongoing process. I know several UK charities to: Continued on page 4 > www.inquirer.org.uk | Page 3

“In overturning the money changers’ table, Jesus is telling us is no uncertain terms, that we cannot love our neighbour whilst accepting that it’s right that they and their families have less than you.”

Equality, diversity, inclusion Continued from page 3 >

chapels where a disabled toilet was used as a store room, and was not wheelchair accessible. Many of our buildings don’t have the most basic facilities or meet legislative requirements. As a nation, 22% of the population is registered as disabled. This means 1 in 5 of all those coming into our spaces will have a disability. Of those recognised as disabled, 14% have an invisible disability: only 8% use wheelchairs, yet our thinking is almost entirely dominated about wheelchair access. The majority of visitors coming to our spaces may be deaf, blind, neurodiverse or have mental health conditions to name but a few.

It’s about removing all barriers EDI means adapting both our spaces and how we do things: it’s much more than step-free access, although that’s a fantastic start. It’s about working with communities to remove barriers, and to recognise barriers of which we might not be aware, which prevent those with special educational needs (dyslexia or dyspraxia) who are neurodiverse, or visually impaired from participation.

Providing braille signage and large-print hymn books and notices is a good start. Thought must be given to fonts used in printed material and on social media, as well as colours and design of content. The recent furore over the new Unitarian General Assembly (GA) website and chalice logo demonstrated this. It is important that we provide information on social media and web content – as well as on notice boards – explaining what support disabled and neuro-diverse visitors and members can expect. Mental health first-aid training and safeguarding courses can be accessed locally: I urge congregations and districts to explore this training. EDI also means making our buildings accessible to visually impaired persons with a walking cane or a dog. I know of one building sadly, where a visually impaired person endeavoured to attend a

service, but was unable to access the chapel due to clutter and furniture in the entrance spaces and aisles. It also means providing welcome and facilities for service dogs.

If you bring your dog to chapel and it can be aggressive to other dogs, is it appropriate to bring the dog, knowing it may upset a service dog for example?

EDI is also about the small things, providing toilets with medical waste bins for those who need to change dressings with dignity or change a stoma bag. Think about food intolerances: who in our communities are celiac or dairy intolerant? How often do we simply buy a pack of biscuits for coffee and chat after a service, and a bottle of milk, and fail to ask if anyone in our community has dietary needs? As a celiac, I end up most often taking my own biscuits for fellowship after taking a service. Small, practical things can make a big difference. Look beyond the perceived risks of hosting disabled persons in your space: hold to kingdom values. Look beyond the illness or disability to the lived experience of a disabled visitor or member. We need to recognise that everyone is welcome and challenge language and systems that lead to ‘othering’ and a lack of acceptance.

Live out our kingdom values Supporting inclusion is the moral and ethical thing to do. In the UK, 6% of the population self-identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual, but the figure is perhaps closer to 10%. The 2021 census shows that of those aged 16-25, 66% do not identify as heterosexual. What this means, is that more than half of younger visitors will be on the LGBTQI+ spectrum, so if you want a younger footfall and membership in your sacred community, you need to be actively welcoming LGBTQI+ youth and demonstrate unconditional acceptance. Is your chapel registered for same-sex marriage? If not, why is that? We must live out and show kingdom values of tolerance, and acceptance: Continued on page 5 >

Page 4 | Issue 8068 – 30 September 2023

“You cannot love your neighbour whilst accepting systems that crush, exploit and dehumanise them.”

Shown left: Photo by Myriams-Fotos via Pixabay Continued from page 4 >

the radical hospitality that Jesus demonstrated. Yet, worryingly, recent figures generated by the Church of England shows that 75% of disabled or LGBTQI + visitors to a church service or building felt unwelcome or discriminated against through either physical barriers or attitudes. I wonder where our communities stand in relation? How many of our buildings are ableist in preventing a service being led from a wheelchair?

From my own personal experience of exclusion from my former congregation due to mental health issues (C-PTSD) and neurodiversity (Asperger Syndrome) – after 25 years of membership – I feel we have a long way to go. I know of others who are unable to attend services due to physical barriers, or lack of facilities. We must look beyond the risk assessment to the person.

We need codes of conduct We must think about our actions of exclusion and how that affects the lived life of those turned away through stigma, the lack of inclusion, or well-being. I urge the GA to provide guidance on this issue to congregations and districts and the production of codes of conduct and material on safeguarding, mental health, neurodiversity and ‘invisible’ disabilities. The very nature of our movement means, alas, that congregations are ’free to do as they want’ over EDI: this must change. Disabled access and facilities is a legal requirement: yet in many congregations’ provision is a ‘token gesture’.

I’m sure some readers will harrumph into their coffee – or other beverage – that their community has an old building which can’t be changed, has no money for adaptations (grants do exist for this) or ‘it’s a lot to do and no one may come, so what’s the point’.

We are a people of faith, a family shared by a united sense of purpose in our Unitarian faith: we may not like everyone in our family – nor can we be expected to – but to everyone around us we should try to be decent and kind, to treat all we meet with respect and inherent worth and dignity: with equality. Our movement has much to offer our communities. The man who rode on a donkey

(yes I know the Greek does not translate as donkey) in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday points to a God who does not discriminate; the God who treats us with the same love, respect and acceptance independent of race, religion, class, gender or immigration status. Jesus tells us we must overturn the tables of homophobia that says same-sex marriage is somehow different to heterosexual marriage, to overturn the tables of intolerance to LGBTQI+ people, the tables of injustice that promotes the patriarchy.

Love is a powerful truth In overturning the money changers’ table, Jesus is telling us is no uncertain terms, that we cannot love our neighbour whilst accepting that it’s right that they and their families have less than you. You cannot love your neighbour whilst accepting systems that crush, exploit and dehumanise them.

From my own experience, the stigma attached to mental health can be crushing, especially when backed with exclusionary and discriminatory actions and mindsets within our sacred communities.

There should be no room for any discrimination in our faith communities: ‘Love is the doctrine of this church’, yet are we guilty of not doing this? Love is a powerful truth: small actions can make a huge impact on this world.

Paul L Dawson Paul L Dawson is a Unitarian author and an attender at Mill Hill Chapel, Leeds.

www.inquirer.org.uk | Page 5

Laura Autumn Cox talks to recently qualified ministers, Robin Hanford and Arek Malecki

What does it take to minister?

Recently qualified ministers Arek Malecki and Robin Hanford are two well-known faces on the UK Unitarian scene. For many Unitarians, Arek and Robin are friendly, super-knowledgeable, adopted brothers who give great advice and even better book recommendations.

Funnily enough, Arek and Robin I got involved with the Unitarian found Unitarianism through community. I found something “It was the most the same online Beliefnet quiz life-changing here or, to use a (https://tinyurl.com/Belief-quiz). more traditional church language, surprising, infuriating, After getting the same result – something salvific that I would like loving, annoying, healing, Unitarian Universalism – both to share with others. I think our Arek and Robin plucked up the open-minded faith community is irritating, freeing, courage to attend their first a precious gift to the world, which stressful, peaceful and service at Mill Hill Chapel, Leeds, should be shared and treasured. and Westgate Chapel, Lewes. Arek Robin: My calling slowly developed. uncomfortable three had been quite literally walking I think the first hint of it was years of my life. ” past Unitarianism every day. Mill watching the Rev Andie Camper at Hill Chapel’s blue sign and font Westgate and thinking to myself, ‘I matched Leeds City Council’s could do this…’ Then, after taking branding at the time, so Arek my first service and beginning to presumed it was a council multi-faith space. After taking enter into more pastoral situations, I realised I was now the quiz and searching for more information online, Arek thinking, ‘I need to do this’. realised Mill Hill was, and always had been, a Unitarian chapel.

Describe your ministry training experience in one Arek recently moved to the East Midlands to minister sentence: to the Great Meeting Unitarian Chapel in the centre of Arek: It was the most surprising, infuriating, loving, Leicester. Robin is based in Hinckley, and is minister of annoying, healing, irritating, freeing, stressful, peaceful the Hinckley Great Meeting Congregation. I caught up and uncomfortable three years of my life. with them to ask them about their ministry experience, Robin: The Harris Manchester College community at both as students and as brand-new ministers.

Oxford is transformational.

What made you want to become a minister?

Arek: The short answer is that as a child I always wanted to be a bus driver or a priest (I grew up Catholic!). I’ve done my fair share of bus driving so now it’s time for the latter. And… the second short answer is that perhaps the calling to ministry I felt as a child was reignited when Page 6 | Issue 8068 – 30 September 2023

What did you learn about yourself during the ministry training that surprised you?

Arek: I realised that the things I don’t like about myself, the things I wish I could change about myself, and everything that gives me the imposter syndrome, are

“I wake up, get dressed, put my shoes on, and drag my authentic backside to work, exactly as it is that day …I do not try to be anything I am not.”

Shown left: The Revs Robin Hanford (left) and Arek Malecki

precisely why I should do this job. I learned that the brokenness I carry isn’t an impediment but a necessary qualification to minister.

Robin: This is ridiculously specific, but I was so surprised to find myself spiritually moved while reading Benedicta Ward’s translation of Anselm’s Proslogion! (an 11thcentury philosophical argument for the existence of God) Until then, I had always thought that medieval theology was for other people, and something of an irrelevance to me. Now I greatly appreciate prayer as a way of communicating a depth of philosophy and theology.

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring ministers, what would it be?

Arek: Be prepared to be changed. It will be uncomfortable. This change does not mean becoming holier, wiser, or more proper. It means being prepared to unearth the real you that has been buried under all those layers you’ve placed on top of yourself over the years for protection, or out of shame. Be prepared for something in you to die, so that the ministry may live. There will be liberation, but also grief.

Robin: Get in touch with the Unitarian General Assembly Ministry Interview Panel sooner rather than later – and try not to be scared of them! They are best placed to give you the advice you need before you apply.

How do you bring your authentic self to your ministry work?

Arek: I’m not sure. I wake up, get dressed, put my shoes on, and drag my authentic backside to work, exactly as it is that day. I guess the answer is that I do not try to be anything I am not. In worship studies they often warn you against the temptation of putting on your ‘vicar voice’ while leading a prayer. I want to stretch that to

other aspects of ministry too. Our denomination took me as I was, so I’ll keep it like that.

Robin: Fundamentally, I don’t think you can minister adequately while you are in deep conflict with yourself.

That said, building a relationship with a congregation requires trust and that always takes time to develop well.

What excites you about the future of the movement?

Arek: I’m curious to see what our next ‘big thing’ will be now that we’ve secured equal marriage. Also, I recognise that there is an appetite for belonging to spiritual communities that don’t necessarily tell you what you must believe in.

Robin: How relevant our theological heritage is to the world and all the new ways there are open to us to communicate that knowledge and put it into practice!

Arek and Robin will speak about their ministry experiences at the Yorkshire Unitarian Union’s Annual General Meeting on 14 October at Bradford Unitarians. All are welcome.

For information on attending, contact Steven Bisby: steve@helpwithadmin.com

Laura Autumn Cox Laura Autumn Cox is a member at York St Saviourgate Unitarian Chapel and a Unitarian lay preacher.

www.inquirer.org.uk | Page 7

No joy without suffering Last year, 10 September was quite a day for me. It was the day that Molly, my Havanese puppy, came into my life. I had picked her as a kind of birthday present to myself. A friend had persuaded me to make the move, as I had been procrastinating. Bossy friends have their plusses. They are blessings and they are curses. This friend had gone the extra mile to persuade me to pick her, although truth be told she picked me. I had gone to collect one of her sisters, but Molly insisted I take her instead. She has been a wonderful blessing.

That day was also a heartbreaking one. Just as I was about to set off to collect Molly I received the news of the death of our youngest cousin Cheryl. So, I drove three or more hours with tears streaming down my face. I arrived at the breeder’s home, composed myself and had a lovely hour with the puppies and then drove home with this little ball of fluff in a cage on my back seat crying all the way home.

I didn’t cry on the way home, as I was more concerned with her tears. September 10 2022 was definitely an example of the blessings and curses of choosing life, to misquote good old Moses.

A year packed with life This last year has been packed with life. So much has happened. There have been some deep joys, but also many sufferings. We lost another cousin – our Charlton – and there have been many other family troubles, as well as those involving dear friends, and the communities I belong to. This is life; you cannot have joy without suffering.

It was my birthday recently, I have received some lovely cards, gifts and blessings. I am so grateful for the love shared with me. As I reflected on the last year I was reminded of a visit to my grandad, just two years before he died. It was his 89th birthday. It was always such a joy to sit with him; I always felt safe and dearly loved. He talked about how we can never predict the future. How as a young man he and his best friend Percy had gone to sea together, to serve in the war. My granddad came back, but Percy did not. They both chose the same path, (not that they had much say in it) but only one of them carried on through this physical journey. My granddad lived a long life and experienced so much. He respected the privilege and opportunity that his life had been, something denied to so many others. I know that every night before he went to bed, he would pray and vow to live two lives – his and Percy’s. My grandad never talked about his personal beliefs, they were private, but he clearly had a faith. Life truly is the greatest gift of all, it is the ultimate grace. It is a privilege that we did nothing to deserve. Do we always make the most of it. How often do we turn from life?

FROM FROM NOTHING NOTHING TO TO EVERYTHING EVERYTHING

By

By Danny Danny Crosby Crosby

Of course ‘Choosing Life’, means all of life. We cannot negotiate with reality. In my view we don’t get to choose the life that happens to us, but we can respond to what happens to us. To paraphrase Viktor Frankl, this is the ultimate freedom. To choose life is to choose the journey, the whole journey, to continue on and on.

The life I have chosen Life and death, blessings and curses. Monday, 11 September was another of those days. Two friends had lost their dads. And, I heard the sad news of dear Penny Johnson’s death. She was a retired Unitarian minister who beautifully served congregations for more than 20 years.

I also learned that a friend’s lovely pet dog was in a critical condition. It was not the day I expected to wake up to.

This is the life I have chosen and people come to me, because this is my life.

But I also witnessed something beautiful whilst out in the park. I have seen a couple with two French bulldogs several times over the past few months. One of the dogs is always transported in a pram. Its back legs barely function.

These last few months the owners have worked lovingly and caringly to get the dog to walk again. Well, this week I saw them with both dogs, one being led around by a giant ball. It is walking again. It is inspirational to see how they have used their time – their lives – in dedication and love.

Celebrate the people in our lives This, to me, is a beautiful example of choosing life.

Something else I have witnessed is noticing how my friends who lost their dads are there for their loved ones.

This is not always easy when consumed by grief.

For my birthday, I received so many gifts and cards and greetings from people who mean so much to me – and of course to whom I mean so much. The wonderful thing about birthdays is that they allow us to celebrate the people in our lives. I love to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to people. It is one of my greatest pleasures. My brother Otis even attempted an impression of me. It was a good Continued on page 9 >

Foy Society celebrates 100 years

By Dot Hewerdine 2024 is the Centenary Conference-Anniversary of Foy (formerly Fellowship of Youth) and International Religious Fellowship (IRF)! The Foy Society, a fellowship of women and men who, in a spirit of free inquiry, seek to understand the nature of present issues and problems - political, social and religious. For one year only, the Foy Society has decided to move the dates of its Annual Conference to Easter Weekend 2024 for this special celebration – along with the IRF – planned for the Unitarian Nightingale Conference Centre at Great Hucklow.

Members, friends and others (the conference is open to all) are preparing to get together for a joint gathering celebrating all aspects of the societies’ activities and contributions to liberal religious life and civil liberties across the UK and other continents.

Plans for a family-friendly programme include a visit to Flagg village by coach on Saturday, a special service at Hucklow Old Chapel, tea and cakes on Sunday at the Nightingale Centre, storytelling, a ‘Parade of Presidents,’ Voices from the Past, Present and Future, games, singing, dancing, walks, displays of archive material and, of course, worship.

What we need are volunteers to help with planning, research and leading activities.

Do you have photos, notes of past conferences,

newsletters & magazines?

Were you involved in Foy or IRF and willing to share your memories in whatever form you choose (story, poem, song, art, craft)?

Would you be willing to contribute to worship, games, entertainment?

Do you have a brilliant idea for an activity to include in the programme?

Would you like simply to come along for part or all of the time and join us in a weekend of celebration and fun?

If so, please email me at: dothewerdine@btinternet.com There will be some options for day visitors. More details on the programme and conference charges will be available shortly.

Accommodation will be mostly at Nightingale Centre, Great Hucklow, Derbyshire, UK. (See: www. thenightingalecentre.org.uk) Book now to secure your bed: Telephone 01298 871218 Email: info@thenightingalecentre.org.uk There may be some options at Flagg for the hardy ones!

For information on the barn, see: https://flaggbarn.org I look forward to receiving your ideas and your offers!

Dot Hewerdine is president of the Foy Society

Joy and suffering Continued from page 8 >

effort. It lacked the vibrato and a little in the bottom notes. It was wonderful to receive, though. As Henri Nouwen said: We should never forget our birthdays or the birthdays of those who are close to us. Birthdays keep us childlike. They remind us that what is important is not what we do or accomplish, not what we have or who we know, but that we are, here and now. On birthdays let us be grateful for the gift of life.

As I look back at a year of changes, of the blessings and curses and living life, I see how much I have experienced.

I can also see how much I could do better, especially in my relationships with those in my life. I want to live better with others. I want to live more effectively in this world.

As I have marked the passing of another year I wonder how I can journey on in better ways. Maybe this is something to think about. What do we need to do to improve our relationships. What loose ends need tying up? What regrets are we living with? No one knows where the journey will lead, no one knows when it will end. We have this life before us; it will be a mixture of blessings and

Shown above: Danny Crosby and Molly

curses. The congregations I serve are stepping forward into a new adventure with Janine Sim as she begins her own journey of ministry training. May our time together be fruitful. I am sure we and she will gain so much from the experience. As we move forward in faith and hope and above all love. Before us is life, blessings and curses, let us choose life.

Letters to the Editor Don’t pay VAT on adverts Martin Fieldhouse Winscombe To the Editor › Advertisements by Charities can be zero-rated for VAT, according to VAT Notice 701/58. This can be found on-line at: https://tinyurl.com/CharityVATguide If you read it, you will find that all printed advertising by all recognised charities can be zero-rated for VAT. This includes Excepted charities which many Unitarian congregations and churches are. Excepted means the charity does not have to be registered with the Charity Commission (although many larger charities are), but is regulated by the British and Foreign Unitarian Association (B&FUA) on behalf of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches.

This ruling dates from 1984 and has been extended and revised since. Even so, it is not widely known. You may have to draw it to the attention of any newspaper or others to whom it applies and to fill in a simple declaration. Suppliers need to complete an even simpler declaration for their records. These are detailed in Vat Notice 701/58 referenced above.

I hope all Unitarian charities will note this information, and act upon it.

It could help our congregations to advertise their future events more widely, to the benefit of all.

Jef Jones Karl Stewart Bristol Unitarians

To the Editor › Jef Jones was an inspiration to so many. I remember fondly a natural gift he had at being able to meet you where you were. Jef was the example of what ministry is within our religion, in conversation and encounter you were able feel at ease and know that you had Jef’s undivided attention.

I’m remembering with love someone who was an inspiration to many, with a creative and caring spirit, who made you feel that you matter.

I, along with many, will miss Jef and his gentle energy. He was kind and honest. As we all venture throughout our journey may it be so that we feel his inspiration as it lives long in our memories, as we minister.

With love and blessings to all who feel this very sad loss.

See Jef’s obituary on page 11.

The National Unitarian Fellowship Dorothy Archer Memorial Prizes - 2023 The NUF would like to honour the life and work of our late president, Dorothy Archer. The following information and details regarding annual competitions have been donated from the estate of a well celebrated and generous woman.

The Prize fund has been increased for 2023 Prize £500: Digital innovation on the theme of ‘Technical religion’.

For example, technology supports or substitutes in religious practice, from the rosary bead to the hymn words projected on screens to Zoom and YouTube worship. This prize is offered to an individual or group who can best show how Unitarians can enjoy worship and information whether as individuals in the home or as a community through technology.

Prize £250 A poem, prayer or hymn which best demonstrates Unitarian values in worship.

Entry is free. Entries should be accompanied by an application form which can be downloaded from the website <nufonline.org.uk/DorothyArcher>

Closing date for entries: 30 November 2023 Note: The National Unitarian Fellowship may use the entries in its publication News & Views and on the NUF website.

For more information email: nuf@nufonline.org.uk

Jef Jones: Brighton leader Jef Jones, who died in early May, was – despite his single lay ministry at Brighton – a well-known and much-loved player on the Unitarian stage. He was gentle, kind, funny, honest, quietly intellectual, well-read, open-minded, innovative, extremely hard-working and last, but not least, religious.

He was born in 1958 in Redcar, North Yorkshire, and when he was old enough would go for long walks cobbling together a personal religion ‘from landscape, music and culture.’ The contrast between decaying remnants of chemical and iron industries, on the one hand, and wild moorland, broad seascapes and fossil-filled beaches, on the other, fascinated Jef. Fossils would remain a life-long interest.

Jef attended Sir William Turner’s Grammar School, Redcar, and went on to Warwick University to study English. For many years he worked in the field of health promotion in Lambeth. In the 1990s he was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease which forced him to confront some difficult questions about life.

When visiting friends in Brighton, his negative opinion of this seaside resort was transformed when he found a fossilised sea-urchin on the shingle beach which he had hitherto despised. He soon moved there, and in 2000 joined Brighton Unitarian Church, then under the leadership of the Rev Jane Barton.

At BUC he a found a place where he ‘could learn to be with God quietly and coolly,’ a place where he could ‘think and ask and listen,’ and where he was led to ‘a more committed, consistent relationship with God.’ Following Jane’s retirement in 2008, Jef played his part in the interregnum until he himself was chosen as Lay Leader in June 2010. That same month, he wrote in the church newsletter: Leadership has always been an important word for me, although I know many people dislike both the idea and the word. […] However, I have experienced leadership that has been emotionally intelligent, genuinely engaged and enabling.

This is what I would like to provide.

Early in his ministry Jef came to the decision to sacrifice the opportunity offered him of ministerial training as he knew it would impact on his deteriorating health.

Views about the future of Unitarianism now ranged across

Shown above: Jef Jones, photo by Jane Blackall

the board from liberal Christianity at one end of the scale, through Paganism, Interfaith dialogue, Buddhism, environmentalism and social action, to atheism at the other. Jef managed to embrace this mix, conducting regular services with an astonishing range of themes, with something in them for almost everyone. He came to revere the King James Bible for its grandeur and the ‘poetry of its cadences’ marked the significant Christian feasts of Easter, Christmas, Pentecost and more, from a modern perspective without undermining the spiritual power of their stories.

During his time, Jef led the church through several crises arising from the aged structure of the Grade II listed building, supporting those who made serious investments of time and energy in grant applications for its repair.

Great celebrations marked the achievement of the last of these projects, and also, shortly after, of the church’s 200th anniversary.

Jef was proud of being in the vanguard of introducing civil partnerships, followed by same-sex marriage, of building many lasting relationships, and of bringing new energy to the congregation. But just as he was preparing to step down, the pandemic struck, and Jef, despite his particular vulnerability, stayed on another six months to see the congregation through this unprecedented time. He finally stood down in March 2021.

The congregation and wider Unitarian community celebrated Jef and his legacy at a service on 9 September at Brighton Unitarian Church, conducted by Jennifer Sanders, minister elect. This included excerpts from Jef’s services, his article ‘My Faith as a Unitarian’, selections from his poetry collection, The Land, stories and memories of members and friends, and his favourite hymns and music.

Our condolences go to Jef’s family. His son Mickey attended the Celebration and read from The Land, his daughter Frankie was abroad at the time. Both were closely involved in preparing the service. Jef also leaves two grandchildren, Otis, born before he died, and Alfie, born in the week before the Celebration.

Francis Clark-Lowes www.inquirer.org.uk | Page 11

An Autumn Prayer

Shown above: Lake District photo by Steve Roberts via Pixabay

Dear God, Sometimes I wonder why the seasons need to turn.

Already there are signs that the summer is coming to an end.

At the edges of the warm summer days is a touch of cooler weather, the lights are being switched on that bit earlier, and the wind has already dislodged a few leaves.

Even in the summer there is a creeping reminder that darker and colder days will return.

Do we really need this reminder?

Or, are you doing us a favour – a heads-up – giving us time to get used to the idea?

Not many of us like sudden changes or rude shocks.

Going from the height of summer to the depths of winter would give us no time to prepare, no time to stock up and make ready.

So maybe we would do well to give thanks for the subtle changes and gentle reminders.

Help us to look forward to the season of Autumn, with all its grand colours, reminding us that there can be beauty and dignity, even in death.

And give us grace to cope with the sudden changes in life which we get no advanced warning of, which can catch us unprepared and leave us reeling as we try to make sense of things.

Dear God of the changing seasons, hear our prayer.

Amen Ant Howe This prayer, and much more worship material, is available on Worship Words: https://worshipwords.unitarian.org.uk